Rivers’ situation similar to the Old Western Region’s crisis – Jonathan

Ex-president Dr Goodluck Jonathan has said the current political climate in Rivers State reflects the Old Western Nigeria regional crisis. He therefore, cautioned against using Rivers as the crystal that will bring down the country’s democracy.

In a statement on Saturday, the former president, opined that everyone should be extremely concerned about the political events that have been taking place in Rivers State lately.

President Jonathan’s statement comes amidst tension between the major political actors in the state, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, including members of the All Progressives (APC) in Rivers and the police in the build up to the council elections of Saturday.

He added that any danger to the tranquility of Rivers State might have a significant impact on security in the Niger Delta region, warning all political players and advising them to pursue their political ambitions and with caution and patriotism.

President Jonathan urged the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to act to prevent the overabundance of court rulings and orders, particularly those from concurrent jurisdictions that issue contradictory decisions, stressing that if this isn’t stopped, it will undermine democracy and make fun of the judiciary as an institution.

Read his full statement below:

RIVERS CRISIS: A NOTE OF CAUTION

I am aware that the local government election taking place in Rivers State today, October 5, has been a subject of great interest to political actors.

The political happenings in Rivers State in the past days is a cause for serious concern for everyone, especially lovers of democracy and all actors within the peace and security sector of our nation.

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy because they are the primary source of legitimacy. This process renews the faith of citizens in their country as it affords them the opportunity to have a say on who governs them.

Every election is significant, whether at national or sub-national levels as it counts as a gain and honour to democracy.

It is the responsibility of all stakeholders, especially state institutions, to work towards the promotion of sound democratic culture of which periodic election stands as a noble virtue.

Democracy is our collective asset, its growth and progress is dependent on governments commitment to uphold the rule of law and pursue the interest of peace and justice at all times.

Institutions of the state, especially security agencies must refrain from actions that could lead to breakdown of law and order.

Rivers State represents the gateway to the Niger Delta and threat to peace in the state could have huge security implications in the region.

Let me sound a note of caution to all political actors in this crisis to be circumspect and patriotic in the pursuit of their political ambition and relevance.

I am calling on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to take action that will curb the proliferation of court orders and judgements, especially those of concurrent jurisdiction giving conflicting orders. This, if not checked, will ridicule the institution of the judiciary and derail our democracy.

The political situation in Rivers State, mirrors our past, the crisis of the Old Western Region. I, therefore, warn that Rivers should not be used as crystal that will form the block that will collapse our democracy.

State institutions especially the police and the judiciary and all other stakeholders must always work for public interest and promote common good such as peace, justice and equality.

• GEJ